Pelé, whose real name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, was born on October 23, 1940. He is known as one of the greatest soccer players ever and played a big part in making soccer popular around the world. His amazing career lasted over two decades, from 1956 to 1977. He played for two teams: Santos FC in Brazil and the New York Cosmos in the United States.

Important Achievements:

1. World Cup Victories:

   • Pelé started his World Cup journey in 1958 when he was only 17 years old. He became the youngest player to score a goal in a World Cup match! He scored 6 goals that tournament, helping Brazil win their first title.
   • He ended up winning three FIFA World Cups in total (1958, 1962, and 1970). This record still stands today! In his World Cup adventures, Pelé scored 12 goals.

2. Goal Scoring Record:

   • During his professional career, Pelé scored over 1,000 goals! Officially, he scored 757 goals for both his club and country. This made him famous as a great goal scorer.
   • While playing for Santos FC, he scored 643 goals in real matches, making him the top scorer in the club's history.

3. Cultural Icon:

   • Pelé's charm and talent on the field made him a superstar around the world. He helped spread the love for soccer to new places.
   • He joined many events to promote soccer, including the well-known "Soccer for Peace" program. He was also named a goodwill ambassador by UNESCO.

4. Impact on the Game:

   • Pelé helped make soccer more popular on TV, especially in the U.S. When he signed with the New York Cosmos in 1975, the North American Soccer League (NASL) saw a huge increase in fans.

Pelé's legacy still inspires many people today. He plays a big role in the history of soccer and has helped it become loved all around the world.